Conarroe family to thank for landmarks

Thursday

Feb 28, 2008 at 2:00 AM

George and Nannie Conarroe were summering at Bald Head Cliff by 1889. During the next 40 years the prominent Philadelphia family left their mark on the landscape and on the literary and spiritual enlightenment of their summertime neighbors in York and Ogunquit, Maine.

George and Nannie Conarroe were summering at Bald Head Cliff by 1889. During the next 40 years the prominent Philadelphia family left their mark on the landscape and on the literary and spiritual enlightenment of their summertime neighbors in York and Ogunquit, Maine.

St. Peter's By the Sea Episcopal Church and the Ogunquit Memorial Library stand today as testament to the Conarroes' love of their summer home.

The Boston Globe reported in August of 1889 that "George Conarroe, the wealthy Philadelphian, has taken the first step toward rendering the Cliffs even more attractive by commencing the erection of a cottage above the Anemone Pool, which when completed will resemble in outline the Cliff itself. He has purchased 100 acres of land in the vicinity of his cottage, which will be cut up into lots and sold upon one condition only, that the purchaser erect a cottage to cost not less than $5,000."

He also invested heavily in York's Passaconaway Inn.

George Mecum Conarroe was born Nov. 9, 1831. His father, George Washington Conarroe, was an accomplished Philadelphia portrait artist who provided his family with every advantage mostly from an inherited family fortune. The Conarroes and their cousins, the Trotters, who summered at Cape Arundel, had been associated in a very successful steel venture for several previous generations.

George M. Conarroe apprenticed in a Philadelphia law firm and was admitted to the Bar on May 14, 1853. A successful probate law practice and prudent real estate development investments enhanced his formidable fortune.

A lifelong Republican, George was never a politician but he took his civic responsibilities very seriously by giving generously of his time, professional expertise and money to orphans and crippled children of Philadelphia.

Historically significant letters and documents from 1643-1882 that the attorney collected during his lifetime are now protected by the Pennsylvania Historical Society. He was an active member of that society as well as the Sons of the Revolution.

The devoted Episcopalian's moral standards were beyond reproach and he was highly respected by all who knew or knew of him. After George's death at the Bald Head cottage, Cragmere, in 1896 a reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote of him, "A pot of money was no temptation to Mr. Conarroe. His righteous indignation has on more than one occasion broken up one of the modern money making schemes by which stockholders are robbed and he was known to face and compel to back away from such ventures men who stand very high in financial circles and who ordinarily are not opposed either by business men or the church. Mr. Conarroe's many qualities made him many strong friends. The rules which guided him in life are unhappily getting to be old fashioned."

Nannie Dunlap, daughter of another leading Philadelphia lawyer and great granddaughter of Col. Clement Biddle, Quartermaster General of George Washington's staff, married George M. Conarroe in 1868. They spoke of each other with admiration and affection throughout their 28 years together. George often credited Nannie for his successes and to honor her husband after he died Nannie built two memorials in his honor that still serve and adorn York County today: St. Peter's Episcopal Church near Bald Head Cliff and the Ogunquit Memorial Library.

Philadelphia architect, Charles M. Burns was hired to design the memorial buildings and the Blaisdells of York constructed both of local stone.

The Episcopal Church and the library both opened new doors to the public in the summer of 1898.

Nannie D. Conarroe died in 1917 leaving endowments to St. Peters and to the library. Her 1913 will indicates that she intended to finance additions to the library beyond a $20,000 bequest. "I am of the opinion that the present library building should be enlarged by the addition of two wings or extensions, retaining the present central door of entrance and exit, with appropriate shelving, which additions should conform to and harmonize with the present building. In case this work shall not be done during my lifetime then I direct my executor to pay out of my estate the cost thereof in addition to the trust fund hereby created."

The left wing was built in 1914 under the careful supervision of one of the original Trustees, Luther S. Weare. The Depression took its toll on the Conarroe estate and the second wing was never constructed. Others have stepped in to ensure continued maintenance but we have the generosity of the Conarroe family to thank for these much admired southern Maine landmarks.

Sharon Cummins is a historical research professional in Southern Maine. She can be reached by email at sharonlynn@roadrunner.com

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.

Advertise

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
seacoastonline.com ~ 111 New Hampshire Ave., Portsmouth, NH 03801 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service